FCAT Writing Practice Prompts

Here are some prompts for children to practice at home. Some are prompts that students have already completed at school, and some will be new. Many of the prompts listed have been used by the state in the past. Remember, students normally have 45 minutes to plan, write, and proofread up to two handwritten pages. This should be kept in mind when students are practicing!

Expository Prompts

The format for expository prompts is normally 5 paragraphs which include the following:

Paragraph 1 – hook, 3 details (that will be expanded on in the next 3 paragraphs)

Paragraph 2 – repeat and expand on the 1st detail using examples and personal experience

Paragraph 3 – repeat and expand on the 2nd detail using examples and personal experience

Paragraph 4 – repeat and expand on the 3rd detail using examples and personal experience

Paragraph 5 – “In conclusion…”, repeat 3 details in brief

Remember, expository prompts explain. They do not tell a story!

Some sample expository prompts to try…

We all have a favorite time of year.

Think about one time of the year that is your favorite.

Write to explain why that one time of year is your favorite.

Most of us have a special place we like to go.

Think about a special place where you like to go.

Explain why you like to go to that special place.

We all know that it is important to eat healthy foods.

Think about why you think it is important to eat healthy foods.

Write to explain why you think it is important to eat healthy foods.

We have all heard that it is important to be a good reader.

Think about why you think it is important to be a good reader.

Write to explain why you think it is important to be a good reader.

We all have a favorite subject to learn about.

Think about one subject that is your favorite to learn about in school.

Write to explain why that subject is your favorite.

We have all heard that drugs can be bad for you.

Think about ways that drugs can be bad for you.

Write to explain to a reader how drugs can be bad for you.

Your class will have a classroom pet.

Think about one pet that would be a good pet for your classroom.

Write to explain why you think this pet would be good for your classroom.

Narrative Prompts

The format for narrative prompts is normally 3 paragraphs which include the following:

Paragraph 1 – hook, beginning of the story

Paragraph 2 – middle of the story

Paragraph 3 – end of the story

Remember, narrative prompts tell a story!

Some sample narrative prompts to try…

We have all had vacations away from school.

Think about one vacation you had away from school.

Write to tell what happened on your vacation from school.

You pass a door every day. It is always locked.

One day you pass the door and it is unlocked. You open the door and walk inside.

Write to tell what happens when you open the door and walk inside.

We have all had days that were special to us.

Think about one day that was special to you.

Write to tell what happened on one day that was special to you.

A student has been picked to fly aboard the next space shuttle mission. That student is you.

Think about what it would be like to fly on a shuttle mission.

Write to tell what happened on your trip into outer space.

We have all lost something, or know someone who has lost something.

Before you begin writing, think about a time when you or someone else lost something.

Write to tell what happened the time you or someone else lost something.

We have all had fun on a school field trip.

Think about one field trip you had away from school.

Write to tell what happened on your field trip away from school.

One day your teacher comes in your classroom. (S)he puts a bag down on his desk and leaves the room.